SYNERGY - Reshone N. Flanders

As each person develops themselves professionally, they build upon the lessons they were imparted from their loved ones and mentors. Reshone N. Flanders has led a life of faith, perseverance and leadership. She spoke to Gainesville Black Professionals about the wisdom she was taught and learned from her own experience.

“Never be afraid to start something good in your life. Leaders are not only in supervisory positions. Leaders are you.”

Flanders was born and raised in Gainesville. After completing high school, she immediately entered the workforce while taking classes at Santa Fe Community College. She received a Cosmetology license, which allowed her to experience entrepreneurship as a young woman. After some time, Flanders went back to school to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree and simultaneously worked for the Records Bureau in the Gainesville Police Department (GPD). While at the University of Florida, Flanders would be promoted within the GPD and eventually went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 2005.

“You determine your career experiences and not your emotions as a reaction from another person’s actions. Many times in my career I faced hurt, disrespect and more. However, I remained professional and realized that greater was over me and this too shall pass.”

Flanders worked her way up through the GPD with grit and professionalism. In 2007 she was promoted from Secretary of the Captain of Criminal Investigations to Risk Coordinator, her longest-held position to date. She was at this role for 12 years, and in that time, she received her Associates in Risk Management and the Outstanding Risk Manager Award through the Florida Sheriff’s Risk Management Fund.

“Let’s say I don’t jump to lead (laughing), but if the need is there, I will do all that I can for the greater of the team. I truly believe that if you try then you succeed. When the results are not what you want, then try again with a different strategy.”

In 2019 Flanders was further promoted to Human Resources Employment Manager, and in 2020 she received her Masters in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources. She continues to hold this position, and she uses her influence to help others.

“I truly enjoy contributing to making someone smile, feel better about themselves, and strive to accomplish goals in their lives. If I can plant a seed of hope and encouragement, then I’m happy because one day it will blossom into something great for that person. I love to encourage others, bring out their potential. My courage derives from my faith in God and believing in myself.”

Flanders pays forward the love and support she received as a child from her parents and grandparents. She reminds us of her Grandma, who would tell her, “Uh, uh. Nikki you can do this because God is on your side.” This faith would serve her well throughout her life. She recalls her grandfather, a reverend, who “planted the spiritual seed” within her, as well as her other grandparents, who were grateful and hardworking. She also owes much of her success to Rev. Dr. Marie Herring, who got Flanders involved in her church.

“There’s one thing that she shared with me that has stuck with me and that is to ‘always be transparent.’ She’s given me so many wisdom nuggets but that one has never left me. That statement alone reminds me to stay strong, true to yourself, be open minded, listen without judgement, and be approachable to not some but all. Love people where they are at.”

Flanders is also a humanitarian who seeks to lift up young Black girls. She founded a non-profit, Girls to Young Ladies, in 2007, which mentors upcoming young women. Flanders is most proud of her two daughters, who she sees as continuing her legacy of love and faith.

Never be afraid to start something good in your life. Leaders are not only in supervisory positions. Leaders are YOU.

-Reshone N. Flanders